The valedictorian at the University of Southern California has been barred from delivering a graduation speech due to “security” fears after she was accused of promoting “anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric.”

Asna Tabassum, a biomedical engineering major, had been chosen from about 100 applicants with GPAs of 3.98 or higher to deliver the valedictory address, the Los Angeles Times reported.

But the decision sparked outrage as several on- and off-campus groups flagged her views, with one group saying she “openly promotes antisemitic writings.”

Critics cited the senior’s minor — resistance to genocide — and “likes” on her Instagram account, where her bio links to a page that says “learn about what’s happening in Palestine, and how to help.”

USC Provost Andrew Guzman announced the decision to bar Tabassum in a campuswide message, in which he cited unnamed threats after the student was selected.

“Unfortunately, over the past several days, discussion relating to the selection of our valedictorian has taken on an alarming tenor,” he wrote.

“The intensity of feelings, fueled by both social media and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has grown to include many voices outside of USC and has escalated to the point of creating substantial risks relating to security and disruption at commencement. We cannot ignore the fact that similar risks have led to harassment and even violence at other campuses,” he wrote.

“After careful consideration, we have decided that our student valedictorian will not deliver a speech at commencement. While this is disappointing, tradition must give way to safety,” Guzman continued.

He explained that the decision was “necessary to maintain the safety of our campus and students,” and is “consistent with the fundamental legal obligation — including the expectations of federal regulators — that universities act to protect students and keep our campus community safe.”

The provost said the decision did not violate freedom of speech.

“There is no free-speech entitlement to speak at a commencement. The issue here is how best to maintain campus security and safety, period,” he wrote.

We Are Tov, a group that combats antisemitism and uses the Hebrew word for “good” in its name, posted Tabassum’s image on its Instagram account and said she “openly promotes antisemitic writings.”

The student group Trojans For Israel also called for Tabassum to be banned because of her “anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric.”

It said her selection turned “an inclusive and meaningful milestone into an unwelcoming and intolerant environment for Jewish graduates and their families.”

The Muslim student said in a statement that the school has “abandoned” her.

“Although this should have been a time of celebration for my family, friends, professors, and classmates, anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian voices have subjected me to a campaign of racist hatred because of my uncompromising belief in human rights for all,” she said.

“This campaign to prevent me from addressing my peers at commencement has evidently accomplished its goal: today, USC administrators informed me that the university will no longer allow me to speak at commencement due to supposed security concerns,” Tabassum continued.

“I am both shocked by this decision and profoundly disappointed that the university is succumbing to a campaign of hate meant to silence my voice. I am not surprised by those who attempt to propagate hatred. I am surprised that my own university—my home for four years—has abandoned me,” she added.

Guzman told the LA Times that the school has been “in close contact with the student” and would “provide her support.” 

“This is a security decision. This is not about the identity of the speaker, it’s not about the things the valedictorian has said in the past. We have to put as our top priority ensuring that the campus and community is safe,” he told the outlet.

Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian groups have urged USC to reconsider. “USC cannot hide its cowardly decision behind a disingenuous concern for ‘security,’” Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told the LA Times in a statement.

The USC Palestine Justice Faculty Group said it “unequivocally rejects” the decision.

The commencement ceremony is scheduled for May 10.